British Council: Erasmus Programme

The Erasmus programme is for higher education students in all subject areas who would like to study or do a work placement for three to 12 months as part of their degree in one of 30 other European countries.

Many FE/HE colleges now also offer the programme, so if you are doing a short term vocational or foundation course you can take part too and do a work placement of just two weeks.

All eligible students receive a small grant to help towards the costs of travel and living abroad, this is paid in addition to any loans or grants to which you would be entitled in the UK. You do not pay any fees to the university you visit and eligible students who go for the full academic year (24 weeks) have their UK fees waived.

Who can go?

Students must be formally registered at an Higher Education Institution in order to follow higher education studies leading to a recognised degree or other recognised tertiary level qualification up to and including the level of doctorate. Students from all subject areas can participate, as it is not just for language students. Prior knowledge of the language of the host country, although recommended, is not always essential as many institutions offer courses taught in English. The time abroad is given formal recognition, so it counts towards your degree.

When can you go?

Most students go abroad with Erasmus in their second or third year, although students doing a work placement can go in their first year.

Where can you go?

Erasmus students can go to any of the countries listed below. All the countries and institutions have something special to offer and while Germany, France, Spain and Italy are the countries most visited by Erasmus students, if you go to one of the less visited countries, you’ll be even more special!

Austria Belgium Bulgaria Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Iceland Ireland Italy Liechtenstein Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Portugal Spain Sweden Cyprus Czech Republic Estonia Hungary Lithuania Latvia Malta Poland Romania Slovenia Slovak Republic Turkey

Top 10 Reasons to take part

  • Stand out in the job market – a great addition to your CV
  • Return more motivated, independent and confident
  • Get a grant and have your tuition fees waived (if you go for the full academic year)
  • It counts towards your degree –it’s not a gap year
  • Learn a range of life-skills not taught in the lecture theatre
  • Access a wider range of subject areas than in the UK
  • Improve your language skills
  • Gain an international network of friends and meet your lifelong partner! (1 in 10 students do)
  • Discover a different culture and gain an international perspective
  • It’s really good fun!

The Erasmus experience will enhance your academic and personal development, your job opportunities, your confidence, and your enjoyment of life. Not only will you acquire a broader range of skills to offer a future employer but you’ll have fun doing it. So, discover a different culture, make new friends from all over Europe, learn a foreign language and do something that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Experience Erasmus for yourself; visit our website to find out more. If you are already at university, please talk to your Erasmus Coordinator or International Officer.

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